Police clear D’banj of rape and fraud allegations

The Nigeria Police Force and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have officially cleared popular Nigerian singer Dapo Oyebanjo, widely known as D’banj, of rape and fraud allegations.

The police investigation, ordered by the Inspector General of Police in 2020 following a rape accusation against the artist, concluded with a report dated November 14, 2023.

The report, signed by ACP YY Abubakar of the Special Enquiry Bureau at the Force Criminal Investigations Department, stated that after thorough examination, there was no substantial evidence to support the rape allegation.

The investigation encompassed statements from the complainant, witnesses, and suspects, including an inquiry into the Glee Hotel Lagos, where the alleged incident occurred.

The hotel’s management denied the claims, asserting that D’banj was not present on the stated date, and provided key details that debunked the complainant’s allegations.

Moreover, the complainant voluntarily withdrew the petition, leading to the discontinuation of the investigation.

“The allegation was investigated. The complainant, witnesses, and suspects made their statements. The investigation was extended to the Glee Hotel Lagos, where the staff on duty on the date of the alleged incident made their statement. 

The management and staff of the Glee Hotel averred that the first suspect was not seen in the hotel on the date of the alleged incident, nor was he given a spare key to gain access to any room in the hotel where the complainant lodged, and they have only one key to each room, which completely debunked the allegation of the complainant.

The management of the hotel also held that it had no record to show that the complainant checked into the hotel as a guest on the alleged date, and she did not, at any time, raise an alarm, complain, or report any indecent assault or rape.

There is no medical report on the victim to ascertain that she was raped. There are no adduced facts or corroborative evidence to substantiate the allegation of rape against the suspect. Prima facie offences of indecent assault, rape, and intimidation are not made out.

However, the complainant, through her counsel, Ojoge, Omileye & Partners, submitted a letter, dated July 17, 2020, to the DIG Force CID, to voluntarily withdraw the petition and discontinue the investigation.” the police report read in part.

In a separate matter, the ICPC had accused D’banj of diverting funds associated with the N-Power Programme of the Federal Government in 2022.

However, the ICPC’s investigation yielded no evidence of fraud. A document dated November 29, 2023, with the reference number ICPC/OPS/SDD/SPT.LG/31/23, clarified that there was no prima facie case of fraud against the artist.

D’banj’s legal representative, in a deposition before the Chief District Court of the Federal Capital Territory, emphasized that the artist had never held a government position or accessed government funds.

“The commission investigated issues of fraud in the administration of the N-POWER Scheme, where Mr Daniel Oladapo Oyebanjo’s name came up. However, there was no prima facie case of fraud against him. Kindly be advised that Mr Daniel Oladapo Oyebanjo is not under investigation with the Commission for any fraud-related offence,” the ICPC clearance partly read.

The lawyer affirmed that D’banj’s involvement in the N-power campaign was voluntary and unpaid.